RNLI lifesavers return in new series of Saving Lives at Sea
Lifesavers from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will soon return to TV screens in the fifth series of the successful documentary Saving Lives at Sea which is due to be broadcast on BBC Two from 17th September.
Real life rescue footage captured on their helmet cameras gives a frontline view of how the charity’s lifesavers risk their lives as they go to the aid of those in danger at sea.
The 10-part documentary will showcase the lifesaving work of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards from around the UK and Ireland. The series will air on BBC Two on Thursdays at 8pm, as well as being available on BBC iPlayer following broadcast.
The first episode features rescues including a 13-year-old boy who found himself in extremely rough conditions off Brighton beach; a pair of paddle-boarders swept out to sea in blustery conditions; a community pulling together to reports of a local fisherman overboard; volunteer crew rushing from a crew members wedding after reports of a capsized kayak and people in the water; and as light was failing off the coast of Swanage the volunteers attempt to rescue two people stuck in a cave with a rising tide.
Real rescue footage is accompanied by emotive interviews from the volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards, alongside the people they rescue and their families.
During the course of filming, the global coronavirus pandemic struck, which has seen RNLI lifesavers adapt and overcome various challenges to the way they save lives at sea. The charity’s volunteer lifeboat crews maintained a 24/7 lifesaving service during these difficult times and several of the rescues featured in the series were carried out during the pandemic.
Jayne George, RNLI Fundraising, Marketing and Media Director, says: “With people rushing to the coast post-lockdown and more people staycationing this year rather than holidaying abroad, demand for the RNLI’s lifesaving services has remained high yet, sadly, fundraising events have been cancelled, our shops, stations and museums have been closed to visitors, and this has resulted in a drop in RNLI income. Public support is now more important than ever and to showcase the work of the charity’s lifesavers through such a well-established programme is a welcome opportunity to demonstrate how our lifesavers really can make a difference to someone’s life.”
Series five of Saving Lives at Sea begins on 17th September at 8pm on BBC Two, and will continue throughout October and November.
Watch the video below from the RNLI:
